Ferrari 458 Spider

Ferrari 458 Spider debuts at Frankfurt. New exclusive Tailor-made Programme also showcased

Frankfurt, September 13th 2011 – Ferrari’s exclusive new 8-cylinder, the 458 Spider has finally been unveiled to the public at the 64th Frankfurt International Motor Show. 

The latest addition to the Ferrari range is a mid-rear-engined two-seater featuring a fully retractable aluminium hard-top, a world first for a sports car with this layout. 

The 458 Spider’s innovative new hard-top is not only 25 kg lighter than a traditional folding soft-top, but is also quieter and thermally more efficient when raised. Aside from taking just 14 seconds to open or close, the hard-top was engineered to occupy a very small space when stored so that the designers were able to include a generous rear bench for luggage behind the two seats. 

The rear windscreen doubles as an effective wind-stop which is electrically adjustable. When the hard-top is folded away the wind-stop opens to the height that guarantees the most efficient aerodynamics, reducing buffeting in the cockpit. 

The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s 570 CV 4,499 cc V8 which was named International Engine of the Year 2011. This is coupled with Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission which delivers 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 320 km/h. 

The all-aluminium chassis incorporates new alloys and castings, also adopted on the coupé, which ensure the 458 Spider already conforms to 2020 safety legislation. 

Its category-topping performance aside, the new car also boasts class-leading fuel consumption and emissions levels. Thanks to the HELE (High Emotion Low Emission) system, in fact, fuel consumption on the combined urban cycle stands at 11.8 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 275 g/km. 

Tailor-Made Programme

Ferrari chose Frankfurt to introduce a new service, displaying an area of the stand dedicated to the Tailor-Made Programme which will enable owners to reach an even more personal level of distinctiveness with the specification of their cars. 

The Tailor-Made Programme provides clients with an extensive range of exclusive cloth trim, colours, finishes and technical materials for a final specification inspired by unique classic Ferraris and by motor racing. The selection is available in three innovative collections - Classica, Scuderia and Inedita – specifically conceived by Ferrari’s Styling centre. 

In creating a truly bespoke car clients will be assisted by their own Personal Designer throughout the decision-making process, right up until delivery. 

The Carrozzeria Scaglietti programme continues the range of personalisation options open to clients. 

The Ferrari range

Lining up alongside the 458 Spider is the entire Ferrari range, including the 458 Italia, the maximum expression of an extreme, high-performance driving experience. Today the V8 berlinetta is even more sporty. 

New control software for the magnetorheological dampers improves body control, enhancing the feedback in sporty driving. 

With the manettino in RACE - in other words, at the highest level of performance with all the dynamic vehicle control systems still engaged - an evolved software for the F1 dual-clutch transmission makes gearchanges even more decisive, while there’s even faster acceleration out of bends thanks to an improved calibration of the F1-Trac traction control. 

Also being showcased on the Ferrari stand is the Ferrari California, the mid-front-engined V8 GT that melds performance, versatility and driving pleasure. The example on display is finished in an elegant two-tone Bianco Fuji with a Nero Daytona roof and bordeaux interior. 

It is flanked by the Prancing Horse’s two majestic 12-cylinder models. The FF is the revolutionary four-seater which, for the first time in Ferrari’s history, employs a Ferrari-patented four-wheel drive system to combine unprecedented levels of performance from its 660-CV engine with comfort and versatility. The 599 GTB is shown at Frankfurt with the HGTE Package. 

No Ferrari stand would be complete either, of course, without a Formula 1 single-seater to celebrate the most victorious team ever in this, the ultimate motor racing category.

Michael Schumacher

Interview: Michael Schumacher, Seven Times F1 World Champion

With the biggest motorsport event in the country, The Airtel Indian GP, ZigWheels gets a chance to what goes through the mind of Seven Times Formula One World Champion, Micheal Schumacher. This is what he had to say.

Adil Jal Darukhanawala (AJD): Welcome to India Micheal.

Michael Schumacher (MS): Thank you!

AJD: 20 years in the sport, and where do you still get your motivation from?

MS: Well, you know, it's very exciting to drive a Formula 1 car. There's so much thrill if you drive it on the limit, but particularly if you go for overtaking and battling, and I have a lot of experience of this in the last two years of this. Indeed, I was very tired after my first part, after 16 years of active Formula 1, a three year break that I didn't intend to call a break but it happened to be, and now I have refreshed motivation.

AJD: We saw the old Michael Schumacher back in action at Spa this year...

MS: Oh no. You saw it before but we drivers, we depend a lot on the machine and the car. It took a while for me to get back into the rhythm of Formula 1, to understand how to maximise the car. I have to say that maybe Spa, in a way you're right, it sort of made a transformation on things. But if you go back you find several other samples like Canada and so on where I was back in the fighting field as before.

  

AJD: It's good that you mentioned Canada because finally we saw that without DRS and KERS, you were on the same pace as the Red Bulls and the Ferraris. Do you think all these new innovations are good for Formula 1?

MS: Basically, yes. Because if you take the last racing in Korea, how interesting the race was, the battle between Webber and Hamilton for example, because of all these new features with DRS and KERS, otherwise it would have been a reasonably boring race I have to say. So, it's maybe not perfectly used, those two, but I think we take a lot of benefit from it.

AJD: You are the grand daddy for all German Formula 1 drivers. Sebastian Vettel was a kid and I believe you also gave out a trophy to him at your go-kart circuit. How does it feel to have an under-study come across and be world champion?

MS: It feels great. He's a good friend of mine, and I've known him since he was very little, 7 or 8 years  old, and to follow his career and be close to him is something I deeply enjoy. Now to see him second time world champion, I feel very proud of him.

AJD: You and he shared the driving for the Race of Champions for the last few years. How did you compliment each other?

MS: I think we sort of, always help each other somehow. And not for granted, not free that we have been given the title already, so often, and I'm looking forward to keep it in our hands this year.

AJD: You started with Mercedes. Will you finish with Mercedes?

MS: I'm pretty sure that my career is not for a long-term base. Yes, I have a lot of faith in Mercedes and the challenge to arrive back at the winning road, that's my challenge and that's with Mercedes.

Range Rover all set to unleash the Evoque

Range Rover all set to debut its smallest, lightest, most fuel efficient and not to mention stylish SUV yet, the Evoque

  

Think Range Rover and the first thing that comes to your mind is a big boxy luxury SUV that can haul you to places other vehicles can only dream of. The said mantra has been universal with all Range/Land Rover’s and they have been doing extremely well even in the face of more modern competition. Times however change and Range/Land Rover’s have evolved with time as well. One look at the all new Range Rover Evoque is enough to point out that the evolution has definitely been for the better.

New Jaguar XF

The new facelifted Jaguar XF will be coming to India by the third week of November, 2011

When launched back in 2008, the Jaguar XF was a real game changer for the Tata-owned British luxury car maker. After a sharp decline in recent years in the company’s image of making svelte saloons which are not only luxurious, but are brilliant to drive as well, the all-new XF represented a “going-back-to-its-roots” effort on part of the Coventry based auto company and signaled the beginning of a new era in Jaguar’s future.

The XF, which fights against other premium luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, has been available in India for a little while now, and offers a great alternative in a segment which is otherwise only occupied firmly by the German auto giants. But as these three big German luxury car makers launched updated versions of their offerings in this segment recently, the task for upping the game fell back into Jaguar’s court. And so with this in mind, Jaguar unveiled a revised version of the XF at the 2011 New York Auto Show earlier this year. This updated and upgraded car went on sale around the world in the middle of this year, and considering that Tata now owns the JLR brands, it was always expected that this new XF would find its way to Indian shores soon enough.

But that might be earlier than one thought as, if sources close to JLR in India are to be believed, the facelifted XF will be available in India starting the third week of November this year. Apart from some new technology on board, the new XF features a fascia that seems to mimic its larger sibling, the XJ. Since this new model will be replacing this current XF, the pricing for the car should remain the same. What’s new on the new XF are slim new headlight units and distinctive LED lighting strips, which set it visually apart from the rounded twin cluster headlamp design of the previous model. The lower bumper section also gets bit of unique styling with a trio of airdams, the outside pair of which are now intersected by twisted chrome fins. While the rear of the car has been redesigned with LED technology the interior of the XF now gets a redesigned seats, a restyled steering wheel and an all-new colour central and dial-mounted screens relaying reprogrammed navigation and entertainment software.

Interestingly, Jaguar has also launched a new 2.2-litre common rail 4-cylinder diesel motor which develops 190 PS of power and is linked to a new eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. An innovative Stop-Start system in the new XF model gives it a proposed economy in excess of 21kmpl and CO2 emissions of 149 g/km. When the facelifted car arrives in India, this new variant will likely be on offer as well, making it the most affordable Jaguar in the country.

BMW 3 Series

The best drivers compact executive car just got better as BMW unveiled the all new 3 Series

It’s been on the roads since 1975 and has been BMW’s best selling model accounting for over 30% of the BMW brand's annual total sales. What are we talking about? Arguably the best compact executive car in the market, the BMW 3 Series. And not without a reason.  Winning numerous accolades not only for being a fantastic product but also for having a renowned racing career.  

BMW has just unveiled the all new 3 Series and from what the company says, is a significant step above the current car. As it goes with most successors, the new car is lighter, quicker under most conditions, more fuel efficient, better handler thanks to enhanced agility and newfound nimbleness. Even the safety aspect has been improved. There have been big steps forward in style, quality, comfort and specification for only a minimal price increase. A wider choice of trim levels and an extensive personalization program will allow 3 Series saloon buyers to order virtually a tailored car.

Aggressive, that’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the new 3. In fact in some ways especially from the rear three quarter it pretty much looks like scaled down 5 Series. The body is stiffer and there is an all new chassis with longer wheelbase and wider track as well. Increased in overall length by 93mm, it has the characteristic BMW design proportions of short overhangs for maximum agility.

All versions of the new car will feature a drive mode selector called Drive Performance Control as standard equipment. What this basically does is allow the driver to swap between up to four driving modes, varying from sporty to extremely economical. The four modes are ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport + (Sport + is included only on Sport models or with selected optional equipment). In ECO PRO, the throttle mapping changes so that a firmer push of the accelerator pedal is needed to extract the power that is delivered with a lighter touch in the other three modes, thus encouraging a more economical driving style. ECO PRO also alters the manual gearshift points advised by the Optimum Shift Indicator, modifies the gearshift strategy on models with automatic transmission and even adjusts the power consumption of features such as the climate control and heated mirrors and seats.

Handling transmission duties is an eight-speed automatic gearbox, giving a wider spread of ratios than the former six-speed unit without taking up any more space in the engine bay, is available as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual. It is also now offered with every engine to significantly improve efficiency. Then there is the EfficientDynamics technology which gave the previous BMW 3 Series Saloon such a competitive advantage and as a result comes in the new car as well and have been supplemented as well. Auto Stop-Start is fitted to all versions, manual and automatic, along with Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand control of engine ancillary components and tyres with less rolling resistance. Weight has been reduced by up to 50kg compared with the previous model, while the drag coefficient (Cd) is down to as low as 0.26 thanks to optimized aerodynamics.

The 3 has always been the quintessential driver’s choice thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout, near-perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, agile chassis set-up and responsive engines. The new is no different and aims to appeal to the enthusiast even more. There will be a series of new engines with the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology while base engines will see a bump in power as well.

The 3 Series has been a runaway success here in India thanks to its blend of efficiency and performance and the new car is sure to take the legacy forward. Expect to see the first glimpse of the car in India at the 2012 Auto Expo with deliveries following soon after. As for the roadtest, watch out for an exclusive soon.

TOYOTA COROLLA ecotec XLi & GLi

New COROLLA ecotec XLi & GLi
Gas Inlet Gas Tank Protector Gas Tank Automatic Solenodial Valve Refill Valve Sequential Injection System Engine Cylinder Head Gas Tank 60 Liters High Pressure Tube		Indus Motor Company is pleased to introduce first time in Pakistan "Corolla ecotec". "Corolla ecotec" is the first Toyota Corolla which has factory fitted CNG system with Safety and Performance as per Toyota standards in 1.3 L grades. The vehicle has been specifically designed and approved by Toyota Motor Corporation for Pakistan. The development of this variant was in response to high consumer demand for factory fitted CNG in Toyota Corolla. "Corolla ecotec" features a 2 Year or 50,000km warranty with Toyota standards. It is also features driving comfort as rear coil springs are reinforced to handle the additional CNG load. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY "Corolla ecotec" is 16 Bit ECU based technology with i-spark advancer which monitors VVT-I engine for better performance. This variant contains a Bi-fuel system which gives the driver the option of driving on either petrol or gas. SAFETY FIRST Gas Inlet located near fuel inlet with especially designed rubber shield to protect fuel or other liquid from entering luggage compartment. Gas Tank protector for effective use of space, good appearance and safety. Gas Tank with built in support to avoid gas tank shaking and leakage. Automatic Solenodial Valve to prevent gas leakage in high pressure tube. Refill Valve to avoid flow back of gas for safety. INTELLIGENT PERFORMANCE Sequential Injection System to Control CNG injection by ECU to provide optimum vehicle performance. Engine Cylinder Head designed by Toyota especially for CNG to improve durability. Gas Tank 60 Liters made from Chromium Molybdenum Steel and is capable of receiving high pressure. High Pressure Tube

Hona City 2011

See it coming, like an arrow. Striking good looks, cutting-edge design, sharply focused tension. See it shoot straight ahead. What is it? Discover the compact sedan breakthrough with strength to open a new era and outlast fleeting trends. Sleek styling and strong performance, with swift, gutsy response to the driver's pedal action. Class-leading* spaciousness and relaxing ride for outstanding comfort. Imagine the pride of driving and owning this distinctive new-generation standard. Get ahead in the new City. People will be watching. 

*1.3-liter compact sedan class

Euipments & Specifications may vary in some cases.

Engine

Type	Water-cooled 4cycle,L4 Cylinder Gasoline Engine
Combustion chamber type	BOWL-IN TYPE
Valve train	Chain drive SOHC,4VLV per Cylinder
Displacement (cc (cm3))	1,300
Bore and Stroke(mm)	73 x 80
Compression ratio	10.5
Fuel supply system	Electronic Fuel Injection
Emission system	EURO-4
Maximum Power(kw/rpm)	73/6,000

Transmission

M/T	Clutch type	Single plate dry, diaphragm spring
	Transmission type	Synchronized, 5-speed forward, 1 reverse
	Gear ratios
	1st	3.307
	2nd	1.75
	3rd	1.171
	4th	0.923
	5th	0.767
	reverse	3.307
	final reduction ratio	4.625
A/T	Clutch type	3-element torque converter with lock-up clutch
	Transmission type	Electronically controlled automatic, 5-speed forward, 1 reverse
	Gear ratios
	1st	2.995
	2nd	1.678
	3rd	1.066
	4th	0.76
	5th	0.551
	reverse	1.956
	final reduction ratio	4.562

Dimensions & Weight

Overall	Length(mm)	4,395
	Width(mm)	1,695
	Height(mm)	1,480
Wheelbase(mm)		2,550
Tread	Front(mm)	1,492
	Rear(mm)	1,475
Ground Clearance(mm)		160
Max. Permissible Weight (ibs(us)/kg)		1,450
Seating Capacity		5

Chassis

Suspension	Front	Mcpherson Strut
	Rear	Torsion beam axle
Stabilizer bar type / size	Front(mm)	19
	Rear(mm)	11
Brake	Front	DISK
	Rear with ABS	DRUM
Parking Brake Type		Mechanical
Disc Diameter	Front(mm)	262
	Rear with ABS(mm)	200
Steering system	Type	Rack & Pinion
	Overall ratio	15.89
	Turns, lock to lock	3.29
Turning Radius At Body (ft/m )		5.3
Fuel Tank Capacity(litres)		42
Tire Size	Front	175/65R15
	Rear	175/65R15
Battery capacity(V-Ah)		24（5）

Price

Ex-Factory Price (Pak Rs.)

Manual Transmission	1,389,000
Automatic Transmission	1,530,000

Value Added Features (Pak Rs.)

2 DIN Stereo & Rear Speakers	15,000
Navigation / Multimedia System	50,000

Important:
Prices mentioned above are ex-factory, Freight and octori will vary from city to city.

Sargodha	7,500
Hyderabad/ Peshawar	9,000
Islamabad/ Rawalpindi	8,500
Karachi	10,000
Lahore	3,000
Multan	7,700
Mirpur (AJK)	8,500
Sialkot/ Gujranwala/ Faisalabad	7,000

The unit price is subject to change without notice & at the discretion of Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited.
Price prevailing at the time delivery of the vehicle will be charged.

Note:
Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited reserves the right to change or modify equipment or specifications at any time without any prior notice. Details colors, description and illustrations are for information purpose only. For Further details please check your nearest Honda Dealer. 

Apple Steve Jobs' car

Recently deceased Apple Inc CEO Steve Jobs drove a 2008 cBenz SL55 AMG. While the car he drove is not very rare or insanely expensive it was probably the only civilian car in the world that did not sport a number plate

Steve Jobs was a revolutionist, a visionary, a genius, a marketing wizard and so much more. Befitting this extraordinary man was his car. Jobs drove a Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG which was one of the most powerful cars on the road at its time. The SL55 AMG came with a supercharged 5.5 litre V8 engine that generated 510 bhp. The car has a limited top speed of 250 km/h and is capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, that’s fast today!

 However, the most interesting part about the car was that Steve Jobs’ car did not have any licence plates at the front or at the back, Jobs claimed that his number plates got stolen every time he replaced them. In place of number plates he was allowed to have a small bar code. Rumour has it that it was nothing but the vehicle’s VIN number. We probably will never know. 

Audi A6 diesel

Lighter, stiffer and more economical new Audi A6 diesel with a smaller heart has been launched and is all set to give its competition a run for their money

The Audi A6 has always been a successful executive sedan all over the world. The new A6 comes with a lighter body which has been constructed out of aluminium and high tech steels which has also made it stiffer. These words – lighter and stiffer are always a good indication in the automobile industry. A lighter car is more fuel efficient and Audi say that their car has been tested by an independent body and found to return a scarcely believable 18.9 km/pl under real Indian road conditions. A stiffer car means a more rigid body cell which improves handling. A stiffer car is also safer in the event of a crash due to increased structural integrity, this means that more energy is required to bend the structure of the body keeping the occupants safe. 

Audi have incorporated the lightweight technology called ‘Audi ultra’ in the new A6 which was originally developed for their 24 hour Le Mans endurance racing series. Audi has won the Le Mans series ten times and were the first car maker to enter a diesel powered car in Le Mans. 

As is the case with executive sedans the new Audi A6 comes loaded with gizmos and technology such as a multimedia system, safety features and other innovative features. Audi have reduced the NVH levels for lower cabin noise due to precision tuning of various mechanical components and hydraulic damping in the drivetrain bearings and the axle. The new car is 4.92 meters long, 1.87 meters wide and 1.46 meters high. The four cylinder 2.0 liter turbo charged engine has been calibrated to deliver 177 horsepower. 

Michael Perschke, the Head of Audi India commented on the new A6 by saying, “It gives us great pride in showcasing that the new Audi A6 has again established a new benchmark globally and now proven on Indian roads. With the reversion of the weight spiral, we were able to make the new A6 lighter than its predecessor thanks to the use of hybrid materials and using our years of experience with aluminium. We have now proved on Indian road conditions that our diesel technology leadership is very relevant and successful. This technology made us the winner at the world famous endurance race - 24hrs of Le Mans this year again. The new A6 2.0 TDI is a new benchmark globally and in India for sporty, yet efficient driving, paired with Audi’s progressive design. We achieved consumption levels with a 1585 kg weight car, which many smaller cars in India cannot achieve. This clearly signifies our philosophy - "Vorsprung durch Technik". With the arrival of this important model and the 2.0 TDi engine in India, we are confident that we might even increase our forecast for this year based on a strong response to the new A6."

The Audi A6 has proved to be a very good executive sedan and has given its competition something to worry about over the years. The new car with its light weight body and incredible fuel efficiency will make for a very good car and will give its competition a run for its money. 

Mahindra XUV500

The much awaited Mahindra XUV500 is finally set to hit the streets, not just in India, but in other global markets as well. The XUV500 is no softie, keeping in sync with its maker's reputation for the rugged, however this new SUV offers a healthy dose of style as well, and concoction of the two is deadly delicious! Priced between Rs. 10.80 lakh and 12.88 lakh, the XUV500, in true Mahindra fashion, has literally left everyone shell shocked at the amazing proposition.

Mahindra has done it again! When the Scorpio first made its debut, it left everyone speechless, for it literally proved that Mahindra isn’t just a tractor and jeep maker. Their ability to develop an urban vehicle completely in-house was commendable. Yes, the Scorpio had some shortcomings, but its success story is what finally shines through. When Mahindra announced their plans for the global SUV, which has transpired into the XUV500, enthusiasts and industry folk were all ears. Ever since then, its been a wait and watch journey which has finally culminated in a surprise like no other.

 

The XUV500 is a premium product that has been completely developed in house by Mahindra. It is a showcase product that illustrates the company’s global ambitions and its quality and styling all work towards that effect. With such ambitions, it was expected that the XUV500 would likely fit in the Rs 14-16 lakh price bracket; after all the Scorpio range goes all the way up to Rs 12 lakh plus. Well, a long story short, that was not to be and the XUV500 has been priced so aggressively that Mahindra themselves are aware that it will cannibalize a bit of Scorpio sales; the final result is bound to leave SUV enthusiasts and Mahindra fans gleeing with joy, but the competition is destined to have sleepless nights.

Speaking about the competition, the XUV500 is set to take on a host of players, not just in the SUV/Crossover category, but some sedans as well. The prime competition being the Tata Aria, however cars such as the Skoda Laura, Toyota Corolla Altis and Chevrolet Cruze plus high end models of the Tata Safari and the Toyota Innova are also bound to fall prey to the stellar pricing of the XUV500. Mahindra has displayed a very mature outlook on the market and the case in point being that even if you make a good product, don’t get overwhelmed by the efforts and expect a premium. Despite the knowledge that the XUV500 was generally perceived to be a vehicle that would debut above the Rs 14 lakh price point, Mahindra obviously didn’t fall into the trap and have gone about business in the manner that they have always followed. Once again pricing has proved to be the key and the XUV500 has taken the value for money proposition to a whole new plane. Incidentally, the vehicle itself boasts of a number of innovations and firsts.

The XUV500 is the first vehicle from Mahindra to feature a monocoque construction. The company has done away with the typical body on ladder frame build and has gone in for a modern construction method. Moreover, this is the first Mahindra to feature a transverse mounted engine and therefore it is also the first front wheel drive Mahindra SUV. No doubt, the vehicle has been put together with a number of global trends in mind.

 

Mahindra has obviously unleashed their entire army of designers and engineers on the XUV500 for it boasts of great build quality, refined and well fitted interiors and great ergonomics. It’s a visual delight and it promises to be quite the vehicle to drive as well. Available in three models, the XUV500 is powered by a 2.2 litre CRDe mHawk engine that makes 140 BHP @ 3750 rpm and 330Nm of torque @ 1600-2800 rpm, which is mated to a six speed gearbox. It can be availed either as a 4x2 or a 4x4, however all models come with ABS with EBD and airbags as standard safety features.

 

A new league of SUV domination is set to take over the market in coming months and I pretty much vouch for the fact that the dominator will sport a Mahindra badge and an XUV500 moniker on the rear!

Pricing:XUV 500 W6: 4x2:*Rs.10.8 LakhsXUV 500 W8 4x2:*Rs.11.95 LakhsXUV 500 W8 4x4:*Rs.12.88 Lakhs

*(ex-showroom Delhi invitation pricing)

Honda Brio : Special Coverage!

The new Honda Brio is undoubtedly one of the most awaited small cars in the Indian small car market, the Honda Brio is on the verge of its entry into India. ZigWheels shares exclusive data, images of the Indian spec model and a detailed First Drive report to silence your inquisiteveness about this special small car from Honda